Participation with Playing Cards

00:56: CHRIS MCCLOUD: Incorporating kids into the class who aren’t participating is, like, the number one thing. One of the first things I think about when I’m planning a lesson. In my classroom, each seat has a playing card in front of it, taped to the desk in front of it. And I have those same exact cards in my hand up at the front.
01:15: CHRIS MCCLOUD [in class]: Your circumference and area calculation, this will be four of diamonds. Let’s go, Mr. Abulian [sp?].
01:22: CHRIS MCCLOUD: It’s okay if a student has their card called, and they don’t quite know the answer. They just can’t say, “I don’t know.” So they have to tell us where they’re stuck, and then we can get someone to help out if they need it. The reason I use playing cards, instead of just randomly say, “Jake! Answer the question” – that seems like I’m out to get them, like it’s a gotcha-moment. We all remember that, like, being called on and not knowing the answer, it’s one of the worst feelings.